Paris – Nice – Stage 4

After a weather shortened stage three had not been as decisive as promised for the GC of the Paris-Nice, Alberto Contador has won a very decisive stage four. Contador once again proved to the world why he is regarded as the best climber in cycling as he clawed away from Valverde and Sanchez in the final km to win by 10 seconds.

It was as if a Spanish armada were storming La Croix Neuve in Mende, equipped with bicycles versus boats, as five of the final ten and the top four riders hailed from Spain. Truly the kings of the Mountains, Contador, Valverde, Samuel Sanchez and Rodriguez surged to the top of the 10% climb. After the riders crossed the line and the smoke settled, the yellow jersey swapped shoulders from Voigt, who finished 1:20 back, to Contador. And now, it is only the Czech Roman Kreuziger who interrupts a near clean sweep of the top five by Contador, Valverde, Luis Leon Sanchez and Sammy Sanchez. The red and yellow flag is certainly flying strong in the land of the blue, white and red.